RetroBabs Vintage

Well, RetroBabs fans another treasure is gone- the Jadite colored glass, big grease jar was scooped up! Jadite or Jadeite is that lovely, creamy, mint green colored glass from the 1940's and 50's.  This jar originally held salted fish/sardines. We had another piece of Jadite in the shop. It was in the Charm pattern and was originally used in diners and truck stops of the 1950's.  It could be identified by its fabulous ridges on the back.  The glass was sturdy and very durable and has been a new craze ever since Martha Stewart featured her personal collection in her magazine! We still have one little plate/ saucer left.  It is the same Charm pattern only this one is ROUND.  Send us a comment or Etsy convo if you wish to see it. I noticed that around the same era other glass manufactures tried their hand at that Jadite green color but missed the mark. Here is a lime green bowl by Pyrex and I bet you agree with me.  Not that MINTY green. Keep an e...

The Vintage Bazaar sale and pop up Flea Market in June was quite an experience.  I had never participated in a trade show with so many fabulous vendors.  Despite the heat, the Aragon Ballroom venue was a good choice, although I was envious of the inside booths and their air conditioning!  I wanted to pass on these photos that my partner, Delia, from AmeliaBedelia sent to me. Here I am in the back of our booth, notice Delia's side is organized and in beautiful pastels and my side is more flea market! I brought tons of mid century modern items and my typewriters were a hit. Our newest REMIX item is the mirror- Made from old barn and fence wood for that nice driftwood, beachy appearance. Typewriters and cameras were a draw into our booth.  I will have to remember- next time to put a backdrop -to block out my "neighbor" so it does not look so BUSY ! Here I am with my buddy, Pam, she graciously agreed to help me!     Bec's quilt looks pr...

The Vintage Bazaar in Chicago was a success for RetroBabs.  I brought my good friend, Pam, for support.  She was a life saver!  Despite the super-hot weather, 95 plus degrees, one of the lucky Northside folks scooped up our fabulous table. The hubby and I collaborated on this one.  I found the mid-century modern legs and the printer tray/drawer and he had the tempered glass.  We REMIXED this coffee table and the "Hipsters"on Lawrence Ave were fawning over it.  A nice man named Christopher swooped down and grabbed it up before anyone else could!  He told me to check out his Colossal blog on Google.  He writes about art and design and it has become my new favorite.  Thanks Christopher, for appreciating our recycled , re-purposed items.  I hope you enjoy it! I had my collection of typewriters and cameras on display.  I brought my special, desk chair, a Thonet in aqua blue and had a few bites but no catch. ...

Hello RetroBabs fans,  I know it has been a bit since I blogged.  Well- Bec and I will be at this flea market/ Bazaar in June.  If you live in Chicago stop by our booth! So far we are just doing the June 10th date but may do more. We will be sharing a booth with Delia from AmeliaBedelia on Etsy.  She sells vintage clothing and we figured we would have a great mix of items with my typewriters and cameras to her dresses and accessories. Hope you all had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend- it was blistering HOT in Chi -town!!  Keep your fingers crossed for good weather on the 10th. The Vintage Bazaar is now MONTHLY at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. in Uptown just east of the Red Line Lawrence CTA station Second Sundays in the summertime, 12pm-5pm 200+ vendors of vintage decor, housewares, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and accessories, plus beer, cocktails, local food, music, and other fun ...

Babs and Bec will be participating in the Vintage Bazaar flea market Sunday, June 10th in Chicago at the Aragon Ballroom. Read the latest blog post about our good buddy, Martha Layton Smith.  Martha is the fearless leader of the Vesties team on Etsy and her shop Open Door Studio is a must see! Now unto the newest addition to my recycling frenzy- a coffee table created  from cast off pieces and parts. Wanted to show it to you- our newest creations of REMIX.  I took an old printers tray/drawer and some vintage mid-century modern pencil legs and created a terrific coffee table.  The hubby helped and cut a piece of glass for the top. This table is perfect for the collector who wishes to display trinkets such as coins, matchbox cars, tiny figurines, action heroes etc. The squares can be painted or left in their natural state.  Here we did one in the french "Mondrian" style of color blocking.  I filled it with some of my elephant collec...

March Madness a "New"  REMIXED clock/plate by RetroBabs Java Hop by Taylor Cathay OK fans - new items to oogle over! Gorgeous Escort 55 cursive typewriter (works perfectly) Remember this item is FREE SHIPPING Couroc tray Monterey California Vintage trouser hangers for print display (Walker and Esquire) Chessie Cards souvenir from railroad Kay Dee linen towels with Dutch motif (tags still on)   I thought I would throw in some of my latest-  Barb's art work in pottery. Sushi tray with chopsticks slab rolled and imprinted with fern cereal bowl  with ebony glaze soap dish sushi dish and chopsticks with iron glaze All of my work is dishwasher, microwave and food safe! Please feel free to comment We always like to hear from our fans! FYI: it was 85 degrees in Chicago today- IN MARCH !!!!!!!!!

I wanted to show you RetroBabs fans this fabulous gift I received from my hubby.  It's a work of art, but I am a bit biased in my opinion.  It all started with a page I ripped out of my subscription to Better Homes and Garden magazine, (Sept 2011 issue). The article spoke of decorating with mirrors, making a statement, of how they double as artwork, enhancing the light in a space.   I fell in LOVE with this Starburst Mirror made out of scraps of teak.  The teak is recycled from boats- what a great way to reuse and up cycle!  This mirror is 36 inches in diameter from Vivaterra.com  ($239) bhg-  by kit selzer; photo: marty baldwin; contributor: debra wittrup  The tattered magazine page sat on my husband's garage workbench for months. I coveted and often professed my love of this design and product.   He suddenly surprised me and presented me with this lovely gift!  A scaled down version of the same mirror! (Looks like I have to d...